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Head to head

Cyprus vs Japan: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Cyprus has the lower entry bar: €3,500 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • Cyprus grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Cyprus — standard resident taxation; Japan — foreign income exempt. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Cyprus DNV and the Japan DN.
Criteria Cyprus DNV Japan DN
Minimum income / month €3,500 (better) €4,500
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes (better) No
Maximum total stay 3 years 6 months
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation (Possible non-dom regime) Foreign income exempt
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €53,999
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €140 ≈ €16.20 (better)
Where to apply In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 5–7 weeks 1 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Cyprus DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Cyprus → Insurance for Japan →

Sources